Mark 13:32-37

Mark 13:32-37

1. We learn that the exact time of our Lord Jesus Christ's second advent is purposely withheld from His church.
2. We learn what are the practical duties of all true believers in the prospect of the second coming of Jesus Christ: to watch, pray, and work

"The hearts of men like Athanasius, Chrysostom, and Augustine, might well have sunk within them, if they had been aware of the centuries of darkness through which the world would pass, before their Master came back to take the kingdom. What a quickening motive, on the other hand, true Christians have perpetually had, for a close walk with God! They have never known, in any age, that their Master might not come suddenly to take account of his servants. This very uncertainty has supplied them with a reason for living always ready to meet Him."

"All He asks is that baptized people should live up to the faith into which they were baptized--should live as penitent people--live as believing people--live as people who know that "without holiness no man can see the Lord." So living, we are ready to meet our Master. Not living in this way, we are neither fit for death, judgment, nor eternity."

Questions:

1. Do you see how God’s holding back the day and time of Jesus’ return is wisdom? Although we may admit we would like to know, doesn’t not knowing keep us pressing on in faithfulness?

2. Is there evidence of watching, praying, and working in our lives? If not, what steps will we take to make it so? It does strike me as interesting in how the Lord’s Prayer sets for us a model of doing the first 2 of these things!